History of the 12 Days of Christmas

Why do Christians always refer to the 12 Days of Christmas? Although you might know the song and count those days very well, you may also not know what they are meant for and where they originated. Here's a short history of those famous Twelve Days of Christmas.

So are there really twelve days of Christmas? Does Christmas last for so long? Indeed, the twelve days of Christmas cover the period included between the 25th of December (the supposed birth of Jesus Christ) and the 6th of January (Epiphany).

The 12 Days of Christmas tradition started in the Middle Ages when people used to burn a big yule log that would be kept lit for the whole 12 day period. Not doing so would bring misfortune to people. The 12 Days of Christmas celebration evolved through the centuries and there was even a time when those of the Christian faith would wear costumes and mask during the period.

Another related custom that takes place on the 6th January is the eating of the king cake (a cake in which a bean or a special tiny item such as a local character made out of porcelain is included). The person who discovers the bean is crowned queen or king for the whole day. The king cake is also known as tortell de reis in Catalonia and rosca de reyes in Mexico.

Although most Christians (and many non Christians) know the famous 12 Days of Christmas carol, most of us ignore the meaning of those lyrics. As a matter of fact, this Christmas carol has a religious meaning. Here are the 12 Days of Christmas well known carol lyrics:

• "On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me: a partridge in a pear tree".


• "On the second day my true love sent to me: two turtle doves, etc."


• "On the third day my true love sent to me: three French hens, etc."


• "On the fourth day my true love sent to me: four calling birds, etc."


• "On the fifth day my true love sent to me: five golden rings, etc."


• "On the sixth day my true love sent to me: six geese a flying, etc."


• "On the seventh day my true love sent to me: seven swans a swimming, etc."


• "On the eighth day my true love sent to me: eight maids a milking, etc."


• "On the ninth day my true love sent to me: nine ladies dancing, etc."


• "On the tenth day my true love sent to me: ten lords a leaping, etc."


• "On the eleventh day my true love sent to me: eleven pipers piping, etc."


• "On the twelfth day my true love sent to me: twelve drummers drumming, etc."

Written in the United Kingdom during the 1500s, the 12 Days of Christmas was meant for children to learn the base of the Catholicism. Indeed, and as examples, here are a few specifications of the famous carol:

• The true love stands for God
• Me is meant to represent those who got the baptism
• A partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Jesus on the Cross.
• The nine ladies dancing represent love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
• The ten lords a leaping symbolize the Ten Commandments

Naturally, over time, reatailing stores have made a profit from the carol and created a bunch of 12 Days of Christmas themed items that we can use in our holiday decor as well as activities, such as themed dinnerware, themed Christmas tree ornaments, songs, movies, books, and much more. Most of those decorating and useful items are really beautiful and bring something very special to the end of year holidays atmosphere.

If you're looking for more information about the 12 DAys of Christmas' meaning, read this very interesting article provided by Wikipedia.org.

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